Pop-up SportsTraining Assemblies &amp; Related Devices and Methods

ABSTRACT

Portable sports training assembly frames and sports training assemblies and goals, and particularly arched portable traps and goals which can be erected easily, for example, via self-erecting components, are provided. Arched assemblies, traps and goals of the invention include highly visible, and removable, halo and apron components, and effectively trap or stop sports-playing objects such as golf balls, hockey pucks, lacrosse balls, softballs, baseballs, footballs and soccer balls. The invention relates also to frames which can be provided in easily erectable or self-erecting embodiments, and which are useful not only as sports training assemblies, traps or goals but also for displaying signage, and particularly for displaying temporary or emergency signage. Frames and netting elements of the invention can be provided in one or more high-visibility materials and colors.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to portable traps and goals foruse in sports training, and particularly to portable traps and goalswhich can be erected easily, for example, via self-erecting components.Traps and goals of the invention are highly visible, and effectivelytrap or stop sports-playing objects such as golf balls, hockey pucks,lacrosse balls, softballs, baseballs, footballs and soccer balls. Theinvention relates also to frames which can be provided in easilyerectable or self-erecting embodiments, and which are useful not only assports traps or goals but also for displaying signage, and particularlyfor displaying temporary or emergency signage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many games utilizing a sports object, such as a soccer ball, hockeypuck, golf ball or lacrosse ball are often played informally in fieldsand areas which do not have standard goal structures. Because such gamesare often impromptu gatherings, it is difficult and usually impossiblefor the players to bring conventional, full-size, goals which aredifficult to transport and, for the most part, are typically installedin permanent locations on sports or recreational fields. In suchsituations, players often use non-standard or makeshift structures astraps for game-playing objects or goals, such as stakes, T-shirts,traffic pylons or any visible object which can be used to define a goalface or area for the purpose of the game. For example, if soccer isplayed or other similar sport where the ball must pass within themargins of a goal in order to score points, the ball can be directedbetween two markers in order to provide a delimited area useful forscoring. Because such delimited areas have uncertain or unclearboundaries, disagreements can arise among players as to whether pointshave been scored based on whether the ball or other sports playingobject has passed outside or above the goal area.

To address the above concerns, portable sports goals have been developedin the sports field, such as, for example, the Adjustable Soccer Goal ofMoosavi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,375; the Portable Soccer Goal Apparatus ofBorazjani, U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,461; and Portable Soccer Goal of Carusoet al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,507; and Portable Soccer Goal of Pennell,U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,272. The inventions of Pennell and Caruso et al.employ a system of triangular braces or straight line framing pieces.Some of these goals utilize separate parts which are assembled into agoal framework. Some portable sports goals have features which cause theball to rebound out of the goal such as the device found in U.S. Pat.No. 5,048,844 to Haseltine, or have elements which return the ball in aparticular way, such as that found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,786 ofPapadopolis.

Portable goals are found also in the inventions of Armell. For example,in the invention shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,213 to Armell, base andupright poles are interconnected with both a tensioned net member andmeans for pulling the ends of the poles so that they become arcuatelybowed to form the horizontal base and upright mouth of the goal. Thus,the net member of Armell '213 is disposed under tension, thereby tendingto eject a sports object which is driven or thrown into it. Similarly,U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,433 to Armell discloses a Flexible Sports Goal whichis adapted and arranged such that the relative position of the faceframe in relation to the base of the device is controlled primarily bythe netting which is suspend therebetween, and by a strap or other meansdisposed either or both between the front corners of the device, orbetween the face frame and the base frame of the device. The relativeposition of the face of the Armell '433 goal with respect to its base isthus determined by the netting element, a strap means, or both. Thus, adisadvantage of portable goals in the art is that, because their nettingelements are under tension, they tend to reflect or eject a ball orother sports object out and away from the goal or trap. Because of this,there is a need in the art for a light-weight and portable trap or goalfor receiving a sports playing object, such as a ball, in such a mannerthat the ball tends to remain with the confines of the goal when drivenor thrown into it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide lightweight andportable trap frames suitable for holding a net element or the like forreceiving or trapping game playing objects.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such traps furthercomprising netting elements or the like, which netting functions toeffectively stop the game playing object when it is thrown or driveninto the trap.

It is also an object of the invention to provide frames for suchportable traps whereby the upright and base frame elements maintaintheir relative positions with respect to one another relativelyindependent of the disposition of a netting element.

It is similarly an object of the invention to provide frames and trapswhich comprise connectors that are constructed and arranged to disposethe frames and traps of the invention into easily foldableconfigurations.

In accordance with these and other objects, a trap frame for holding anet element disposed for receiving a sports object is provided, the trapframe comprising a face frame, the face frame preferably comprising aresilient archable member having a face frame first end and a face framesecond end disposed for connection to a connector, a base frame, thebase frame comprising a resilient archable member having a base framefirst end and a base frame second end, a first connector disposable forconnecting the base frame first end to the face frame first end, and asecond connector disposable for connecting the base frame second end tothe face frame second end, wherein the first and the second connectorsare constructed and arranged to determine the relative positions of theface frame with respect to the base frame. Thus, the relationship of theplane formed by the face frame and the plane formed by the base frame isprimarily determined by how the connectors are constructed, arranged anddisposed with respect to the resilient archable members.

Although the connectors can be of any configuration that is constructedand arranged to hold the face frame and base frame in desired relationto one another, preferably the first and second connectors comprise oneor more of curved connectors, spiral connectors, connectors forming aright angle, bracketed connectors forming a right angle, connectorsforming an acute angle, bracketed connectors forming an acute angle,connectors forming an obtuse angle, bracketed connectors forming anobtuse angle, and connectors constructed and arranged to be adjustableto form a right angle, an acute angle or an obtuse angle between theface frame and the base frame.

As an additional advantage, the several ends of the resilient memberscan be either rotatable with respect to the connector they contact, orfixed. One or more of the base frame first end and the face frame firstend are constructed and arranged to be either rotatable or fixed withrespect to the first connector, and one or more of the base frame secondend and the face frame second end, are constructed and arranged to berotatable or fixed with respect to the second connector. Thus, severalpermutations of fixed and rotatable connections can be chosen in orderto obtain preferred embodiments whereby the torsional effects of thefixed connections, and the torsion-less effects of the rotatingconnections can be chosen to result in a frame or trap with desiredself-erecting and folding characteristics.

The connectors and resilient archable members of a frame or trap of theinvention can be of any materials suitable for achieving the desiredcharacteristics of the trap or frame. Preferably, a connector orresilient member according to the invention comprises one or more ofmetals, metallic alloys and synthetic materials. Preferably, the metals,metallic alloys and synthetic materials comprise one or more from thegroup including aluminum, iron, steel, copper, brass and magnesium, andalloys thereof, and synthetic materials from the group consisting offiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic composites, and plastics, such asABS and glass-filled plastics, and combinations of metals and syntheticmaterials.

In accordance with other objects of the invention, a sports trap orframe according to the invention further comprises a net or nettingelement disposed between at least a portion of the face frame and atleast a portion of the base frame. Depending on the embodiment desired,the net or netting element can be disposed over the entire length of theresilient face frame member and the entire length of the resilient baseframe member. Nets or netting elements according to the invention can beof any natural or synthetic materials but synthetic materials such asnylon or polyester are preferred because of their light weight and highstrength to weight ratios.

As yet another advantage, the net or netting element of the invention,which can be provided in high-visibility colors, materiasl and designs,can be disposed such that its mass can be employed to dissipate theinertia of a sports playing object driven or thrown into a trap of theinvention. Thus, in some preferred embodiments, a net or netting elementcan be disposed from at least a portion of the face frame such that asignificant portion of the mass of the net or netting element is slacklydisposed for absorbing the impact of a sports object propelled withinthe margins of the frame. Preferably, the significant portion of the netelement mass is at least 25% of the total mass of the net element, or35% of the total mass of the net. More preferably, the significantportion of the net element mass is at least 55%, or at least 65%, or atleast 80% of the total mass of the net element.

In some preferred embodiments, the net element may be provided withmeans for holding one or more supplemental weights to increase the massof the net element such as one or more from the group consisting ofpockets or sleeves provided within or on the surface of the net element,clips provided on the net element or on the supplemental weightsthemselves. All of the net element, the connectors and the frameelements may be provided with means for fastening the device to aplaying surface by, for example, clips or stakes. In many preferredembodiments of the invention, the frame can constructed and arranged tobe self-erecting, for example, where the first and the second connectorsare attached to the face frame elements and the base frame elements suchthat the torsional forces incident to the junctions between theconnectors and the resilient arcuate members aid in the self-erecting.

A sports trap or frame of the invention may further comprise strap meansdisposed between the connectors, or between portions of the base frameadjacent to the connectors, such that the length of the strap meansdetermines the distance between the connectors. Moreover, the length ofthe strap means of the invention may be provided in adjustable forms sothat the relative dimensions of a trap or goal of the invention may bealtered as desired.

Additional advantages of the invention include embodiments wherein asports trap frame further comprises a halo, wherein the halo isconstructed and arranged to be disposed adjacent at least a portion ofthe face frame and outside the margins of the resilient arcuate member.Preferably, the halo is disposed approximately within the plane formedby the face frame of a trap or frame according to the invention, tothereby increase the visibility of the frame during play, both by thedimensions and the disposition of the halo in relation to the faceframe, as well as the high-visibility characteristics of materials fromwhich the halo is preferably made. Preferably, the halo furthercomprises sleeve or pocket means constructed and arranged for receipt ofone or more of lighting means, signage and means for biasing the halooutwardly and generally in the plane of the face frame. Thus, the halocan be provided with lighting, such as 12-volt lighting ropes typicallyused for decorating automobiles, and can be provided, as examples, withthe name of a sports team, a slogan, a logo, team colors, one or moreflags, the flag colors of a country, a product name, a sponsor companyname, other advertising and signage material, one or more trademarks orother communications materials.

Additional advantages of the invention include embodiments wherein asports trap frame further comprises an apron, wherein the apron isconstructed and arranged to be disposed adjacent at least a portion ofthe face frame and inside the margins of the resilient arcuate member,wherein the apron is disposed to increase the visibility of the frame.Preferably, the apron is disposed approximately within the plane formedby the face frame of a trap or frame according to the invention, tothereby increase the visibility of the trap or frame during play, bothby the dimensions and the disposition of the apron in relation to theface frame, as well as the high-visibility characteristics of materialsfrom which the apron is preferably made.

Moreover, an apron according to the invention preferably furthercomprises sleeve or pocket means constructed and arranged for receipt ofone or more of lighting means, signage and means for biasing the halooutwardly and generally in the plane of the face frame. Thus, the aproncan be provided with lighting, such as 12-volt lighting ropes typicallyused for decorating automobiles, and can be provided also with, forexample, the name of a sports team, a product, a sponsor company, teamcolors or logos, or a decorative design. In some preferred embodiments,an apron of the invention may further comprises sleeve means constructedand arranged for receipt of one or more of lighting means, signage andmeans for biasing the apron inwardly, for example, a bungee cord orcords.

Advantageously, sports traps, frames, halos and aprons of the inventionmay be made of synthetic or natural fibers or fabrics, such as nylon orpolyester, or polymer sheeting, and may comprise one or morehigh-visibility materials, and polymer sheeting. Thus, sports traps,frames, halos and aprons of the invention may comprise one or morematerials which are one or more of iridescent, fluorescent, reflective,fringed, transparent, translucent, spangled and partitioned, among othercharacteristics and materials.

In another aspect, a sports trap of the invention may further compriseat least one inner target, for example, at least one target disposedwithin the margins of the face frame. A target according to theinvention is constructed and arranged to be disposed within the marginsof the face frame, thereby offering a means for users to practice moreaccurate placement of the sports playing object, such as a soccer ball.Thus, a sports trap or frame of the invention may include at least onetarget such as one or more pockets disposed within the net element, oneor more target frames suspended from the trap frame or from said netelement. In some preferred embodiments, the target frames comprise meansfor holding a sports playing object when it is propelled to residewithin the margins of the target, such as a pocket or sleeve of nettingor fabric. In other embodiments, one or more portions of the net elementmay be provided as a target, for example, in a color contrasting to thatof the remainder of the net element.

Thus, one key aspect, the face frames and base frames of assemblies ofthe invention, such as traps and goals, are held in a particular desiredrelationship to one another such that their respective three-dimensionalshapes are not dependent totally upon the disposition of any nettingelement. For example, using any of the connectors shown, or anyconnector that satisfies the structural and functional performanceattendant to the shown connectors, the relative positions of the faceframe (and its corresponding plane) and the base frame (and itscorresponding frame) can be predetermined. The present inventiontherefore provides, among other things, a series of frame stabilizingconnectors which are disposed to hold the face frame element of theassembly (goal, trap or backstop) upright with respect to the baseelement of the assembly. Particular embodiments of the present inventionthat illustrate this feature include those having two connectorelements. Each of the connector elements is disposed between theupright, or face frame element, of the goal and the base element of thegoal. Thus, as is shown in FIG. 4( b), one end of upright resilientelement 10 is connected to curved stabilizing connector 3 and at theother end of upright element 10 is connected to curved stabilizingconnector 9. The other end of connector 9 is attached to base element21.

Frame stabilizing connectors of the invention can be in any shape solong as that shape is disposed to holding an end of an upright faceelement in a desired relation to the end of a base frame element. Thus,the connector elements of the invention determine primarily the relativeposition of the face frame with respect to the base frame. Typically,this relationship is such that the face frame element is heldapproximately perpendicular to the plane of the base element. Thus, whenthe base element is disposed upon the ground, the face frame element isheld substantially perpendicular to the ground. As one of skill in theart of sports equipment design will appreciate, connectors of theinvention can be adapted and arranged to hold the base and face frameplanes of the invention at any desired angle or angles.

Similarly, as one of skill in the art can also appreciate, thestabilizing connectors of the invention include those whereby therespective base frame elements and face frame elements can be disposedin relation to one another at any desired angle, such as an acute angleor angles with respect to the base frame, or an obtuse angle or angleswith respect to the base frame. Nonetheless, the angle must be one suchthat the face frame of the goal provides an opening for reception of thegame playing object. Thus, stabilizing connectors of the invention canbe in the shape of a spiral or coil, in the shape of a curved elementconstructed and arranged to receive the respective face frame and baseframe elements and hold them in relation to one another, in the shape ofa rectangular bracket such as that shown in FIG. 9( a), or in the shapeof an arcuate bracket such as that shown in FIG. 3( b).

Among the advantages of the “slack net” embodiments of the traps, goalsand frame assemblies of the present invention include their ability toassist in dissipating the energy of a sports object, such as a soccerball, golf ball, lacrosse ball, hockey puck or other sports playingobject as the object is driven into the goal. More specifically, becausethe slack net element hangs down to be disposed in close proximity tothe face of the goal, its mass, the totality of which is broughttogether because of the interconnectedness of its respective webbingstrands, slows the ball or other sports playing object such that theobject does not bounce back out of the goal. Instead, the object dropsto the ground within the confines of the goal. In contrast, goats suchas that shown in the Armell patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,433, rely on thenetting element of the goal to define the relative positions of theupright portions of the goal and of its base. Because of this, thenetting element of Armell '433 is held taut between upright and baseportions of the goal frame and is thereby much less available to absorbthe kinetic energy of a moving sports object such as a soccer ball, golfball or hockey puck.

In another key aspect, pop-up frames of the present invention can beadapted and arranged for use in supporting signage, especially of thetemporary variety. As well as a netting element, face frames of theinvention can be provided with opaque or translucent materials, orvented materials, for example comprising natural or synthetic fabrics,plastics, and other materials suitable as signage or communicationsmedia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1( a) shows acute curved tubular connector 51 describing an arc ofless than 90 degrees.

FIG. 1( b) shows a right-angle curved tubular connector 52 describing anarc of approximately 90 degrees.

FIG. 1( c) shows obtuse curved tubular connector 53 describing an arc ofmore than 90 degrees.

FIG. 1( d) shows acute curved connector 51 having an end of face frameflexible element 10 disposed in one end and an end of base flexibleelement 21 disposed in the opposite end of connector 51.

FIG. 2( a) shows extended right angle tubular connector 58 constructedand arranged for receiving ends of a base frame flexible element and aface frame flexible element.

FIG. 2( b) shows extended right angle connector 59 with an end of faceframe flexible element 10 disposed in the bore of one end of connector59 and an end of base frame element 21 disposed in the bore of theopposite end of curved element 59

FIG. 3( a) shows bracketed curved connector 71 comprising curved tubularelement 72 and bracket 74.

FIG. 3( b) shows curved bracketed connector element 71 and the relativeof positions of end 12 of face frame flexible element 10 and end 14 ofbase flexible element 21 disposed in the hollows of tubular 72.

FIG. 3( c) shows a partial cutaway detail of a curved connector element73, which is similar to curved connector element 71 shown in 3(b) exceptthat connector 73 is constructed and arranged to allow for the freerotation of end 14 of flexible base element 21 with respect to connector73.

FIG. 3( d) shows rectangular connector element 55 that it is constructedand arranged to hold a base frame member and an upright frame member atapproximately a right angle to one another.

FIG. 3( e) shows spirally curved connector element 201 that it isconstructed and arranged to hold a base member and an upright member atapproximately a right angle to one another.

FIG. 4( a) is a front view of high visibility soccer goal 41 havinghigh-visibility apron 34.

FIG. 4( b) shows a top oblique view of soccer goal 41.

FIG. 5( a) shows a front view of lacrosse goal 44 showing highvisibility halo 31 disposed on the outside of face frame flexibleelement 10.

FIG. 5( b) shows a top oblique view lacrosse goal 41 showing highvisibility halo 31 disposed outside of face frame flexible element 10which is connected to, and held upright with respect to base flexibleelement 21 by means of curved connectors 3 and 9.

FIG. 6( a) is a front view of golf ball trap 49.

FIG. 6( b) is a top oblique view of golf ball trap 49 as shown in FIG.6( a).

FIG. 7 shows golf ball trap 81 comprising face frame flexible element 10which defines a margin of the main goal, and inner goal target 85 havingrim 84 defining the margins of inner goal opening 83 and netting element86.

FIG. 8 shows freestanding sports trap frame 100 including base flexibleelement 21, face frame flexible element 10, left curved connector 3,right curved connector 9, and pliable tension strap 15.

FIG. 9( a) shows a slack-net version sports-playing object trap 100 ofthe present invention, and a detail of rectangular stabilizing connector55 disposed at both right and left end comers of the goal. Rectangularconnector 55 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3( d)

FIG. 9( b) shows a slack-net version sports-playing object trap 100 ofthe present invention, and a detail of spiral stabilizing connector 201disposed at both right and left end corners of the goal. Rectangularconnector 201 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3( e)

FIG. 10 shows extended freestanding sports trap frame 200 including widered pliable tension strap 215. Face frame top connector 213 connectsface frame flexible elements 240 and 220 together.

FIG. 11( a) shows a side view of freestanding sports trap frame 100,wherein right connector 9 connects base frame flexible element 21 toface frame flexible element 10 at approximately 90 degrees.

FIG. 11( b) shows a side view of freestanding sports trap frame 100 ofFIG. 11( a) having slack netting element 174 disposed between face frameelement 10 and base frame element 21.

FIG. 11( c) shows a side view of freestanding sports trap frame 100having slack netting element 179, which is longer and wider than nettingelement 174 of FIG. 11( b), disposed between face frame element 10 andbase frame element 21.

FIG. 11( d) shows a side view of the freestanding sports trap frame 100of FIG. 11( c), and having soccer ball 193 shown in flight and impingingupon netting element 179.

FIG. 12( a) shows an oblique view of obversible sports-training trap 200with longer frame element 210 disposed as the trap opening for receivinga sports-playing object.

FIG. 12( b) shows an oblique view of obversible sports-training trap 200with shorter frame element 221 disposed as the trap opening forreceiving a sports-playing object.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1( a) shows acute curved tubular connector 51 describing an arc ofless than 90 degrees. Thus, rods, tubes or flexible elements disposedpartially within, and extending from, curved element 51 will form anobtuse angle with one another.

FIG. 1( b) shows right-angle curved tubular connector 52 describing anarc of approximately 90 degrees. Thus, rods, tubes or flexible elementsdisposed, partially within, and extending from curved element 52 willform an angle of approximately 90 degrees with one another.

FIG. 1( c) shows obtuse curved tubular connector 53 describing an arc ofmore than 90 degrees. Thus, rods, tubes or flexible elements disposedpartially within, and extending from, curved element 53 will form anacute angle with one another.

FIG. 1( d) shows acute curved connector 51 having an end of face frameflexible element 10 disposed in one end and an end of base flexibleelement 21 disposed in the opposite end of connector 51.

FIG. 2( a) shows extended right angle tubular connector 58 constructedand arranged for receiving ends of frame flexible elements.

FIG. 2( b) shows extended right angle connector 59 with end 11 of faceframe flexible element 10 disposed in the bore of one end of connector59 and end 22 of base frame element 21 disposed in the bore of theopposite end of curved element 59. Curved element 59 is also providedwith positioning keepers 61 disposed on the outside of curved element 59for receipt of other elements such as connector straps or anchors.

FIG. 3( a) shows bracketed curved connector 71 comprising curved tubularelement 72 and bracket 74. With respect to FIG. 3( a), bracket 74 isprovided with apertures 38, 39 and 40 useful as attachment points forsuch accessories as anchors, connector straps, and goal line positioningaids.

FIG. 3( b) shows bracketed curved connector element 71 and the relativeof positions of end 12 of face frame flexible element 10 and end 14 ofbase flexible element 21 disposed in the hollows of tubular element 72.With respect to FIG. 3( b), end 14 of flexible base element 21 is showndisposed within tubular portion 72 of connector 71 and end 12 of faceframe flexible element 10 is shown disposed within the bore of uprighttubular portion of connector 71.

FIG. 3( c) shows a partial cutaway detail of a curved connector element73, which is similar to curved connector element 71 shown in FIG. 3( b)except that connector 73 is constructed and arranged to allow for thefree rotation of end 14 of flexible base element 21 with respect toconnector 73. Thus, in curved connector element embodiment 73, tubularbore 18 is provided with ring-trapping groove 25 which is disposed fortrapping split ring 29 which is disposed in ring groove 28 disposed nearend 14 of base flexible element 21.

FIG. 3( d) shows rectangular connector element 55 that it is constructedand arranged to hold a base frame member and an upright frame member atapproximately a right angle to one another. With respect to FIG. 3( d),end 22 of flexible base frame element 21 is shown disposed within thetubular bore of the rear portion of connector 55, and end 12 of faceframe element 10 is shown within the upright tubular bore of the laceframe portion of connector 55. Connector 55 is provided with frontaperture 191 and rear aperture 190, both in bracket 60, which aperturesare useful for attaching accessories, such as anchors or nettingelements, to connector 55.

FIG. 3( e) shows spirally curved connector element 201 that it isconstructed and arranged to hold a base member and an upright member atapproximately a right angle to one another. With respect to FIG. 3( e),spirally curved connector element 201 is provided with face frame end203 for receiving a base frame element, face frame end 205 for receivinga base frame element, slotted loop portion 208, and slotted opening 209.Portions 208 and 209 are useful for attaching one or more nettingelements to the frame, or and for attaching a strap element to each oftwo connectors of a sports frame in use, and to thereby determine thedistance between the two connectors. Portions 208 and 209 are usefulalso for attaching accessories such as anchors.

FIG. 3( f) shows right angle bracketed connector element 255 that isconstructed and arranged to hold a base member and an upright member atapproximately right angles to one another. With respect to FIG. 3( f),right-angle connector 255 has base frame arm 244, having aperture 222for receiving a base frame element. Connector 255 also has face framearm 245, and bracket 274 disposed between arms 244 and 245 to therebyreinforce each of them. Disposed within bracket 274 is aperture 240,suitable for use as an attachment point or means for attaching a strapto limit the width of the face frame, or for use in anchoring the frame,for example, to the ground or other playing surface. Them

FIG. 3( g) shows a cutaway view of the right angle bracketed connectorelement 255 shown in FIG. 3( f). With respect to FIG. 3( g), right-angleconnector 255 has base frame arm 244, having aperture 222 with baseframe element 291 disposed therein and thus disposed in steel ferrule281. Base frame arm 244 also has polymer ring 272 which is disposed forfurther reinforcing arm 244 with respect to the forces focused on it bybase frame element 291 and face frame element 293. Similarly, face framearm 245, which is shown with face frame element 293 disposed withinsteel ferrule 282, is provided with polymer ring 273 which is disposedfor further reinforcing arm 245 with respect to the forces focused on itby base frame element 291 and face frame element 293. Reinforcingbracket 274 is disposed between the two arms 244 and 245 to therebyreinforce each of them. Aperture 240 is provided as described withrespect to FIG. 3( f).

Connectors of the invention can be made of any material sufficientlystrong to fulfill the needs of holding the frame elements in a fixed, orrelatively fixed, position with respect to one another whilewithstanding the forces and stresses inherent to the use of suchdevices, including those inherent to the activities of the particularactivities and games for which the present devices are suitable. Indoing so, the connectors combine with the frame elements to approximatetwo intersecting planes, that of the face frame, and the plane of thebase frame. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, metalssuch as aluminum, steel, copper, brass, iron and alloys thereof, andsynthetic materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and plastics, suchas ABS and glass-filled plastics, and combinations of metals andsynthetic materials.

Flexible frame elements of the many permutations of the invention can bemade of any material sufficiently strong, resilient and flexible enoughto fulfill the needs of a particular embodiment of frame elements of theinvention, for example, metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, brass,iron and alloys thereof, and synthetic materials such as fiberglass,carbon fiber, and plastics, such as ABS and glass-filled plastics, andcombinations of metals and synthetic materials. Materials for use in theinvention are selected according to the requirements of the specificembodiments, and particularly with respect to size, thickness, strengthand flexibility.

FIG. 4( a) is a front view of high visibility soccer goal 41 havinghigh-visibility apron 34. In FIG. 4( a), high visibility apron 34 isdisposed within the main opening formed by face frame flexible element10. With respect to FIG. 4( a), high-visibility apron 34 may compriseany material which is brightly colored, highly reflective, iridescent,fluorescent or luminescent. Such materials include, but are not limitedto synthetic or natural fabrics, plastic sheeting or fabric such asnylon or polyester, or fringes comprising these materials. Nylon orpolyester fabrics are particularly adaptable for use as aprons for theinvention, as are plastics such as Kevlar or Mylar.

Apron 34 of the invention may be contiguous with the one or more nettingelements of the invention and may be provided in sleeve forms, such asthose adaptable for use with lighting elements such as light bars, lightstrings and chemo-luminescent lighting elements. Apron 34 of theinvention may also comprise one or more sleeves or pocket elements thatare adapted and arranged for displaying placards or signs such as thoseidentifying a sports team or sponsor. As an additional advantage, anapron element of the invention may be provided in attachable—detachableform, so that various aprons can be removably provided on a frame of theinvention. For example, hook-and-loop fasteners can be provided onmating surfaces so that an apron or aprons may be added or removed asdesired. This aspect is particularly advantageous when the names ofteams or sponsors are desired to be changed or added to a frame of theinvention.

FIG. 4( b) shows a top oblique view of soccer goal 41. In FIG. 4( b),high visibility apron 34 is shown disposed inside of face frame flexibleelement 10 and substantially within a plane formed by flexible element10. Soccer goal 41 is also provided with pliable tension strap 15disposed between curved connector 3 and curved connector 9 which areconstructed and arranged to hold face frame flexible element 10 uprightwith respect to base flexible element 21.

High-visibility halo 31 may comprise any material which is brightlycolored, highly reflective, iridescent, fluorescent or luminescent. Suchmaterials include, but are not limited to synthetic or natural fabrics,plastic sheeting or fabric such as nylon or polyester, or fringescomprising these materials. Nylon or polyester fabrics are particularlyadaptable for use as aprons for the invention, as are plastics such asKevlar or Mylar.

Halo 31 of the invention may be contiguous with the one or more nettingelements of the invention and may be provided in sleeve forms, such asthose adaptable for use with lighting elements such as light bars, lightstrings and chemo-luminescent lighting elements. Halo 31 of theinvention may also comprise one or more sleeves or pocket elements thatare adapted and arranged for displaying placards or signs such as thoseidentifying a sports team or sponsor. Halo 31 may be supported above andoutside of frame element by any means which provides support for asubstantial portion of the halo, such as a flexible support elementcomprising wire or fiberglass disposed within a sleeve of halo 31 andhaving its ends disposed within pockets proximate to the stabilizingconnectors of the invention. As an additional advantage, a halo elementof the invention may be provided in attachable—detachable form, so thatvarious halos can be removably provided on a frame of the invention. Forexample, hook-and-loop fasteners can be provided on mating surfaces sothat an apron or aprons may be added or removed as desired. This aspectis particularly advantageous when the names of teams or sponsors aredesired to be changed or added to a frame of the invention.

FIG. 5( a) shows a front view of lacrosse goal 44 showing highvisibility halo 31 disposed on the outside of face frame flexibleelement 10. With respect to FIG. 5( a), high visibility halo 31 includesplacard sleeve or area 36 constructed and arranged for displaying a teamname, sponsor name or motto, etc.

FIG. 5( b) shows a top oblique view lacrosse goal 41 showing highvisibility halo 31 disposed outside of face frame flexible element 10which is connected to, and held upright with respect to base flexibleelement 21 by means of curved connectors 3 and 9. Lacrosse goal 41 isalso provided with netting 16 disposed between base flexible element 21and face frame flexible element 10.

FIG. 6( a) is a front view of golf ball trap 49. Golf ball trap 49includes high visibility halo 31 and high visibility apron 34. Highvisibility halo 31 is disposed outside of face frame flexible element 10while high visibility apron 34 is disposed inside of face frame flexibleelement 10 to thereby provide a high visibility aspect ratio.

FIG. 6( b) is a top oblique view of golf ball trap 49 as shown in FIG.6( a). With respect to FIG. 6( b), high visibility apron 34 is showndisposed inside of face frame flexible element 10, and high visibilityhalo 31 is shown disposed outside face frame flexible element 10.

FIG. 7 shows golf ball trap 81 comprising face frame flexible element 10which defines a margin of the main goal, and inner goal target 85 havingrim 84 defining the margins of inner goal opening 83 and netting element86. With respect to FIG. 7, inner goal target 85 is suspended from frameflexible element 10 by a plurality of suspension straps to provide a“goal within a goal.” The goal-within-a-goal is smaller than that formedby flexible frame element 10, and therefore more difficult to hit withas game-playing object, such as a hockey puck or golf ball.

FIG. 8 shows freestanding sports trap frame 100 including base frameflexible element 21, face frame flexible element 10, left curvedconnector 3, right curved connector 9, and pliable tension strap 15. Insome embodiments, tension strap 15 is provided in a length-adjustableform so that the distance between connectors 3 and 9, and thus thedistance between the ends of face frame element 10, can be adjusted tomake the face opening wider, narrower, taller, or of a different shape.Strap 15 can be rendered adjustable, for example, by a buckle or slideadjuster as is known in the sporting goods arts. With respect to FIG.10, connectors 3 and 9 can be of any configuration which fulfills thekey parameter of a connector of the invention, that is, a connector isconstructed and arranged to hold the ends of face frame flexible element10 in a desired position with respect to the ends of base flexibleelement 21. For example, one or more of spiral connector 201,rectangular connector 55, bracketed curved connector element 71,connector element 73, or curved connectors 51, 52, 53, 58 and 59 can beused to fulfill this function.

Face frame element 10 and connectors 3 and 9 join to approximate aplane. Similarly, base frame element 21 and connectors 3 and 9 join toapproximate a plane. Thus, in its playing position, the plane of theface frame is held at a substantially fixed angle to the plane of thebase frame. This fixed angle is preferably within 25 degrees of 90degrees, that is, the planes of the base frame and face frame are heldwithin 65 degrees to 115 degrees with respect to one another, and morepreferably within 15 degrees of 90 degrees, that is, the planes of thebase frame and face frame are held within 75 degrees to 105 degrees ofone another.

A significant element of sports trap frame 100 is that it isfreestanding, that is, in its unfolded (playing) position, with baseframe flexible element 21 disposed on a playing surface such as a theground of a field or the floor of a gymnasium, face frame flexibleelement 10 is held upright without the need of a netting element.Because of this freestanding characteristic, one or more nettingelements can be draped from face frame flexible element 10 such thatthey cascade toward the ground to be disposed near the plane formed byface frame element 10. Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the amount,or length, of netting provided is significantly more than that requiredto bridge the distance between the rear portion of base frame element 21and the top portion of face frame element 10.

Disposed in such a “slack-net” position, the mass of the netting elementof the invention is available to dissipate the kinetic energy of asports playing object, such as a soccer ball, hockey puck, golf ball,football or lacrosse ball which is driven or thrown into it. Incontrast, portable nets such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,433to Armell rely upon the netting element to control the distance betweenthe base element and the vertical, or upright, element. Thus, thenetting element of Armell is held tautly in tension and would tend todeflect an object driven into it downwardly and outwardly much more thana slack net version of the present invention. Thus, the sports goal ofArmell would tend to deflect the playing object back toward the playingfield.

FIG. 9( a) shows a slack-net version of sports-playing object trap 100of the present invention, and a detail of rectangular stabilizingconnector 55 disposed at both right and left end corners of the sportstraining goal. With respect to FIG. 9( a), rectangular connector 55 issimilar to that shown in FIG. 3( d). In FIG. 9( a), end 11 of face frameflexible element 10 is shown disposed within rectangular connector 55.Rectangular connector 55 is provided with apertures 190 and 191. Also,end 22 of base frame element 21 is shown disposed within elementreception portion 57 of rectangular connector 55. Moreover, end 11 offace frame element 10 is shown disposed within face frame portion 54 ofconnector 55.

FIG. 9( b) shows a slack-net version sports-playing object trap 100 ofthe present invention, and a detail of spiral stabilizing connector 201disposed at both right and left end corners of the goal. With respect toFIG. 9( b), rectangular connector 201 is similar to that shown in FIG.3( e).

FIG. 10 shows freestanding sports trap frame 200 including base frameflexible element 21, first face frame flexible element 240, second faceframe flexible element 220, left curved connector 3, right curvedconnector 9, and wide red pliable tension strap 215. Face frame topconnector 213 connects ends of first face frame flexible element 240 andsecond face frame flexible element 220 together. Thus, the absolutelength of the face frame, and thus the size of the goal opening, can bevaried or adjusted by the selection of face frame elements 220 and 240of appropriate lengths. Wide tension strap 215 is preferably provided ina bright color such as red or yellow, or it can be provided in white,for example, to match a chalked goal line. Additional face frameflexible elements can be provided as desired in order to adjust or varythe relative size of the face frame.

In some preferred embodiments of sports trap frame 200, tension strap215 is provided in a length-adjustable form so that the distance betweenconnectors 3 and 9, can be adjusted to make the face opening wider,narrower, taller, or of a different shape. In other preferredembodiments, tension strap 215 can be disposed more forwardly to haveits front margin align with the plane of the face of sports trap frame200, which can be aligned with the goal line of a playing field or area.Moreover, strap 215 can be provided in a width identical to the width ofthe goal line with which it will be used.

FIG. 11( a) shows a side view of freestanding sports trap frame 100,wherein right connector 9 connects base frame flexible element 21 toface frame flexible element 10 at approximately 90 degrees. Thus, faceframe element 10 approximately describes, and lies substantially within,the face plane of the trap, and base frame element 21 approximatelydescribes, and lies substantially within, the base frame plane of thetrap.

FIG. 11( b) shows a side view of freestanding sports trap frame 100 ofFIG. 11( a), and further comprising slack netting element 174 disposedbetween face frame element 10 and base frame element 21. The dimensions,that is, the length and width of netting element 174, are such that itis not taut, and it forms curvature R1 between frame elements 10 and 21when the trap is at rest and in its playing position.

FIG. 11( c) shows a side view of freestanding sports trap frame 100having slack netting element 179, which is longer and wider than nettingelement 174 of FIG. 11( b), disposed between face frame element 10 andbase frame element 21.

The dimensions of netting element 179, that is its length and width, aresuch that it is not taut, and it forms curvature R2 between frameelements 10 and 21 when the trap is at rest and unfolded into itsplaying position. The dimensions of netting element 179 are longer andwider than netting element 174, such that element 179 drapes from faceframe element 10 so that more of the net is disposed toward the face andbase of trap 100 than the quantity of netting element 174 as shown inFIG. 11( b). Netting 179 thus forms curvature R2, which is of a smallerradius than curvature R1. Because of this, the mass of netting element179 is disposed more forwardly in trap 100 and is thereby available toabsorb the kinetic energy of a sports object driven into it, such as ahockey puck, golf ball, soccer ball or lacrosse ball.

FIG. 11( d) shows a side view of the freestanding sports trap frame 100of FIG. 11( c) but having soccer ball 193 shown in flight and impingingupon netting element 179. With respect to FIG. 11( d), the kineticenergy of soccer ball 193 distends netting element 179 such that themass of the netting element absorbs a sufficient amount of the kineticenergy of ball 193, that it is likely to be trapped within the bordersof sports trap 100. In doing so, distended netting element 179temporarily forms curvature R3, which is of a shorter radius than thatof R2.

As one of skill in the art can appreciate, many other embodiments of theslack-net versions of the invention are possible within the scope of theinvention, and particularly advantageous are those having an evengreater proportional amount of netting element. Some desired embodimentsinclude those netting elements which are of sufficient dimension tocontact all of the surface encompassed by base flexible element 21, andof even greater dimensions (not shown). By providing more net than isnecessary to span the shortest distance between the margins of frameelements 10 and 21, the present invention allows the mass of the nettingelement to be available for absorbing the energy of a sports playingobject.

FIG. 12( a) shows an oblique view of obversible sports-training trap 200with longer frame element 210 disposed as the trap opening for receivinga sports-playing object, and shorter frame element 221 disposed as thebase for trap 200. Sports-training trap 200 is constructed and arrangedsuch that either frame element can be disposed toward a playing field tothereby provide a goal or trap which can be disposed with either of itstwo openings as the target in use. Thus, trap 200 provides goals ortraps of different sizes.

FIG. 12( b) shows an oblique view of obversible sports-training trap 200with shorter frame element 221 disposed as the trap opening forreceiving a sports-playing object, and longer frame element 210 disposedas the base for trap 200. In accordance with other aspects of theinvention, the frame element connectors of obversible sports-trainingsports object trap 200 can be of any configuration which fulfills thekey parameter of a connector of the invention, that is, that it beconstructed and arranged to hold the ends of face frame flexible element10 in a desired position with respect to the ends of base flexibleelement 21. For example, one or more of spiral connector 201,rectangular connector 55, bracketed curved connector element 71,connector element 73, or curved connectors 51, 52, 53, 58 and 59.

In accordance with the several objects of the invention, numerouspermutations and embodiments of a pop-up frame assembly suitable forholding a netting element are provided. In one class of embodiments ofthe invention, the frame assembly comprises at least one resilient faceframe element, the face frame element having a base first end and a basesecond end, at least one resilient base frame element, the base frameelement having a base first end and a base second end, a firstconnector, the first connector having a face fitting which isconstructed and arranged to connect the first end of the face frameelement to the first end of the base element, and a base fitting whichis constructed and arranged to connect the first end of the face frameelement to the first end of the base frame element, and a secondconnector, the second connector having a face fitting which isconstructed and arranged to connect the second end of the face frameelement to the second end of the base element, and a base fitting whichis constructed and arranged to connect the first end of the face frameelement to the first end of the base frame element. In some preferredembodiments, a pop-up assembly of the invention may further comprise atleast one netting element.

The pop-up assembly may further comprise at least one interposable faceframe element, such as a rod or tube, and at least one correspondingconnection member for connecting the interposable face frame element tothe resilient face frame element. In accordance with other objects, apop-up assembly of the invention may further comprise an apron disposedwithin the margins formed by the face frame element, and may yet furthercomprise a halo disposed outside of the margins formed by the face frameelement. Preferably, each of the halo and apron comprise at least onehigh-visibility material.

The frame flexible elements of the invention can be provided in the formof rods or tubes which are constructed and arranged to fit within, or onthe outside of, portions of the connectors. Moreover, frame elements ofthe invention can also be provided in pre-bent angles or shapes in orderto provide for face frame openings of desired shape and dimensions.

As those of skill in the art will appreciate, numerous permutations ofthe invention are possible within the metes and bounds of the claimsherein. Thus, although the present invention has been described withreference to the preferred embodiments, variations and modifications ofelements and components of the invention can be substituted thereforwhile remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A trap frame for holding a net element disposed for receiving asports object, said trap frame comprising A) a face frame, said faceframe comprising a resilient archable member having a face frame firstend and a face frame second end, B) a base frame, said base framecomprising a resilient archable member having a base frame first end anda base frame second end, C) a first connector disposable for connectingsaid base frame first end to said face frame first end, and D) a secondconnector disposable for connecting said base frame second end to saidface frame second end, wherein said first and said second connectors areconstructed and arranged to determine the relative positions of saidface frame with respect to said base frame.
 2. The sports trap of claim1, wherein said first and second connectors comprise one or more ofcurved connectors, spiral connectors, connectors forming a right angle,bracketed connectors forming a right angle, connectors forming an acuteangle, bracketed connectors forming an acute angle, connectors formingan obtuse angle, bracketed connectors forming an obtuse angle, andconnectors constructed and arranged to be adjustable to form a rightangle, an acute angle or an obtuse angle between said face frame andsaid base frame.
 3. The sports trap of claim 1, wherein one or more ofsaid base frame first end and said face frame first end are constructedand arranged to be rotatable with respect to said first connector. 4.The sports trap of claim 1, wherein one or more of said base frame firstend and said face frame first end are constructed and arranged to befixed with respect to said first connector.
 5. The sports trap of claim1, wherein one or more of said base frame second end and said face framesecond end, are constructed and arranged to be rotatable with respect tosaid second connector.
 6. The sports trap of claim 1, wherein one ormore of said base frame second end and said face frame second end, areconstructed and arranged to be fixed with respect to said secondconnector.
 7. The sports trap of claim 1, wherein said connectorcomprises one or more of metals, metallic alloys and syntheticmaterials.
 8. The sports trap of claim 7, wherein said metals, metallicalloys and synthetic materials comprise one or more from the groupconsisting of aluminum, iron, steel, copper, brass and magnesium, andalloys thereof, and synthetic materials from the group consisting offiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic composites, and plastics, such asABS and glass-filled plastics, and combinations of metals and syntheticmaterials.
 9. The sports trap of claim 1, wherein said resilientarchable members comprise one or more of metals, metallic alloys andsynthetic materials.
 10. The sports trap of claim 9, wherein saidmetals, metallic alloys and synthetic materials comprise one or morefrom the group consisting of aluminum, iron, steel, copper, brass andmagnesium, and alloys thereof, and synthetic materials from the groupconsisting of fiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic composites, andplastics, such as ABS and glass-filled plastics, and combinations ofmetals and synthetic materials.
 11. The sports trap frame of claim 1,further comprising a net element disposed between at least a portion ofsaid face frame and at least a portion of said base frame.
 12. Thesports trap of claim 11, wherein said net element is disposed from atleast a portion of said face frame such that a significant portion ofthe mass of said net element is slackly disposed for absorbing theimpact of a sports object propelled within the margins of said frame.13. The sports trap of claim 12, wherein said significant portion ofsaid net element mass is at least 35% of the total mass of said netelement.
 14. The sports trap of claim 12, wherein said significantportion of said net element mass is at least 55% of the total mass ofsaid net element.
 15. The sports trap of claim 12, wherein said netelement is provided with means for holding one or more supplementalweights to increase the mass of said net element.
 16. The sports trap ofclaim 12, wherein said means for holding supplemental weight comprisesone or more from the group consisting of pockets and sleeves providedwithin or on the surface of said net element, clips provided on said netelement or on said supplemental weights.
 17. The sports trap frame ofclaim 1, wherein said frame is constructed and arranged to beself-erecting.
 18. The sports trap frame of claim 17, wherein said firstand said second connectors are attached to said face frame elements andsaid base frame elements such that the torsional forces incident to thejunctions between said connectors and said resilient arcuate members aidin said self-erecting.
 19. The sports trap frame of claim 1, furthercomprising strap means disposed between said connectors, or betweenportions of said base frame adjacent to said connectors, wherein thelength of said strap means determines the distance between saidconnectors.
 20. The sports trap frame of claim 1, wherein the length ofsaid strap means is adjustable.
 21. The sports trap frame of claim 1,further comprising a halo, wherein said halo is constructed and arrangedto be disposed adjacent at least a portion of said face frame andoutside the margins of said resilient arcuate member, wherein said halois disposed to increase the visibility of said frame.
 22. The sportstrap frame of claim 21, wherein said halo further comprises sleeve meansconstructed and arranged for receipt of one or more of lighting means,signage and means for biasing said halo outwardly.
 23. The sports trapframe of claim 21, wherein said halo comprises one or more ofhigh-visibility materials, synthetic or natural fabrics and polymersheeting.
 24. The sports trap frame of claim 21, wherein said halo isone or more of iridescent, fluorescent, reflective, fringed,transparent, spangled, translucent and partitioned.
 25. The sports trapframe of claim 21, wherein said halo is reversibly removable from saidframe.
 26. The sports trap frame of claim 1, further comprising anapron, wherein said apron is constructed and arranged to be disposedadjacent at least a portion of said face frame and inside the margins ofsaid resilient arcuate member, wherein said apron is disposed toincrease the visibility of said frame.
 27. The sports trap frame ofclaim 26, wherein said apron further comprises sleeve means constructedand arranged for receipt of one or more of lighting means, signage andmeans for biasing said apron inwardly.
 28. The sports trap frame ofclaim 25, wherein said apron comprises one or more of high-visibilitymaterials, synthetic or natural fabrics and polymer sheeting.
 29. Thesports trap frame of claim 25, wherein said apron is one or more ofiridescent, fluorescent, reflective, fringed, transparent, spangled,translucent and partitioned.
 30. The sports trap frame of claim 27,wherein said apron is reversibly removable from said frame.
 31. Thesports trap frame of claim 11, further comprising at least one target.32. The sports trap frame of claim 31, wherein said at least one targetis disposed within the margins of said face frame.
 33. The sports trapframe of claim 30, wherein said at least one target comprises one ormore pockets disposed within said net element, one or more target framessuspended from said trap frame or from said net element, said targetframes comprising means for holding a sports playing object when it ispropelled to reside within the margins of said target, and one or moreportions of said net element of a color contrasting to that of theremainder of the net element.
 34. The sports trap frame of claim 11,wherein said net element is provided in at least one high-visibilitymaterial or in at least one high-visibility color.